Astellas’ Covid-Positive Patent Lawyer Opens Trial Via Zoom (1)

The lawyer leading Astellas Pharma Inc.’s team in this week’s bench trial over a patent for its overactive bladder drug Myrbetriq delivered his opening statement remotely via Zoom because he has Covid-19.

Simon Roberts of McDermott Will & Emery LLP tested positive for the virus, Astellas said in a letter filed Feb. 2 in the US District Court for the District of Delaware. Magistrate Judge Christopher J. Burke later that day granted Astellas’ request that Roberts be allowed to present its opening statement Monday by video displayed in the courtroom.

Astellas also requested that, “in the unlikely event that Mr. ...